Hybrid Motion Ride and Ride Simulator Vehicle

ABSTRACT

A hybrid motion ride and ride simulator vehicle is realized as an encapsulating and reusable simulation technology roller coaster car that visually encapsulates passengers of the car from the surrounding environment to the car during the normal operation of a roller coaster ride such that only interior components of the car are within the field of vision of passengers. Simultaneously, the roller coaster car&#39;s internal simulation technology uses a computer network system to produce video and audio outputs to passengers of the vehicle for presenting an internal simulated ride theme adventure environment, of system variability and reusability, to compliment the car&#39;s roller coaster ride motions. Embodiments of the current invention present varying car designs with integrated encapsulating and reusable ride simulator components that each meets the requirements of encapsulating and reusable simulation technology roller coaster car design of the current invention.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of provisional patent applicationSer. No. 61/584,656 filed Jan. 9, 2012 by the present inventor.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTINGCOMPACT DISC APPENDIX

Not Applicable

SEQUENCE LISTING

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field

The current invention relates to fields of motion rides and ridesimulators commonly found in amusement parks and especially in regardsto the use of roller coaster cars and ride simulation technology.

2. Prior Art

Roller coaster type rides have been appreciated for about two hundredyears as riders have enjoyed viewing large skylines as they fall, climb,and roll with great velocities and strong accelerations up, down, andover hills of ride track. Such adventures, however, are limited in typeof ride themes that can be effectively implemented. With desires toexplore more fantastical themes, ride simulators emerged asself-contained systems of visual and audio presentations but suchsystems have proven to be severely limited in their full capabilities ofmotion movements. For example, the Advanced Technology LeisureApplication Simulator (ATLAS) is used for amusement park rides likeDisneyland's Star Tours and EPCOT's Body Wars developed by the WaltDisney Imagineering Company. While these rides present exciting videoand audio simulated environments, the motion movements experienced bypassengers on these ride simulators have not achieved the velocities andaccelerations comparable to roller coaster rides. Furthermore, rollercoaster rides have not captured the extensive and excitable video andaudio effects of simulated themes and environments created by ridesimulators. This has created the problem of a divide between amusementpark attendees—“thrill-seekers” often flock to roller coaster rideswhile virtual-enthusiast riders commonly flood ride simulators. Anotherissue only worsens the current limited use of roller coaster cars.

Another key problem in the design of roller coaster cars is the limitedpracticality of ride theme variability and reusability. Roller coasterrides and cars are routinely built around a single theme. Rideconstruction and operation are limited by this theme: In contrast, otherfields of advanced technologies are thriving on principles ofvariability and reusability of components and services likeobject-oriented programming and service-oriented architecture—suchimplementations are common in the industry of software. These practicesof variability and reusability are applicable and highly beneficial toroller coaster rides and cars considering the extensive planning,allocation of resources, time, and cost in designing, constructing,operating, and maintaining these systems. Between amusement parkattendees growing accustom to the repetitive sceneries of roller coasterrides (with such scenery often being narrowly composed of trees, bodiesof water, skylines, other park attendees, and parking lots) and rollercoaster rides and cars risking becoming outdated and underused within afew years after introduction into the market, it is time for a newdirection in roller coaster ride and car design. Furthermore, it is timeto recognize and act in response to the limiting motion movementcapabilities of modern ride simulators and seek new simulationtechnology integrations into other applications to capitalize on thefull potential of simulator components. The present invention offers anencompassing and unique solution to these problems as discussed in thefollowing sections.

OBJECTIVES & ADVANTAGES

A hybrid motion ride and ride simulator vehicle is designed as anEncapsulating and Reusable Simulation Technology (ERST) roller coastercar and proposed as an encompassing and unique solution to the currentproblems in the designs and operations of modern motion rides and ridesimulators as identified in the present invention.

An ERST roller coaster car is a roller coaster car that visuallyencapsulates passengers of the car from the surrounding environmentduring the normal operation of a roller coaster ride such that onlyinterior components of the car (including, but not limited to, simulatedride images produced by the car's internal simulation technology) arewithin the field of vision of passengers. The normal operation of aroller coaster ride is the period during which passengers are inside anERST roller coaster car as the car is moving along a ride track of aroller coaster ride while an internal ride simulation system is runningso that passengers are simultaneously experiencing motions of the rollercoaster ride and presentation of the simulated ride theme adventure. Asstated above, the passengers are visually encapsulated from thesurrounding environment to the vehicle during this period. This perioddoes not include the act of unloading and loading of passengers as theroller coaster car is both open and not moving during unloading andloading of passengers. Also, the displayed images in the car created bythe simulator components can be of real images or artificial images (andin the latter case, being images like those created by computergenerated imagery techniques). The ERST roller coaster car's internalsimulation technology also produces audio output to passengers of thevehicle to compliment both the car's internal visual simulated ridetheme adventure and the car's roller coaster ride motions. While thedesign of encapsulating and reusable simulation technology to rollercoaster cars is new, partial integration of non-encapsulating simulationtechnology into passenger seating is evident as early as audio seatcomponents in U.S. Pat. No. 4,696,370 to Tokumo, Takagi, & Mori (1987)and visual accompaniments in U.S. Pat. No. 5,669,821 to Prather &Headrick (1997). Such modifications for roller coaster cars arenon-encapsulating and merely additive to external effects of thesurrounding environment to the car (and are limited to the single themeconstructed for the roller coaster ride) and therefore do not attain thefull array of synergistic effects and benefits (including, but notlimited to, ride reusability, ride variability, and heightened intensityof the ride experience) that are accomplished from using ERST rollercoaster car technology.

There is no indication from designers, manufacturers, or users of motionrides or ride simulators that an integration of encapsulating andreusable simulation technology into roller coasters cars would be adesired technology. In fact, those in fields of motion rides and ridesimulators may argue that combining these two separate technologies inthe manner of ERST roller coaster car design is counterintuitive totheir original applications. This would be valid reasoning; however,this radical departure from the traditional applications of motion ridesand ride simulators is also the great novelty and utility of ERST rollercoaster car technology. ERST roller coaster car technology eliminatesthe weakest effects of both systems by novel and selective integrationof components and mechanisms unique to each separate system that resultsin a final product composed of only the best effects (and with neweffects) that overall create a ride experience more intense than what isperformed separately by these individual technologies. For example,visually encapsulating passengers from the surrounding environment tothe ride vehicle gives ride designers and ride operators control overwhat passengers see and don't see during the ride. This createsheightened moments of intensity of the ride experience for passengersthat cannot see but can still feel turns, drops, loops, and otherdynamic movements of the roller coaster ride. This lack of visualpresentation of the surrounding environment to the ride vehicle isreplaced by a simulated ride theme that has the new advantages of beingvariable, reusable, and rich in technological and artistic capabilitiesthat further increase the intensity of the ride experience.

In conclusion, the present invention replaces traditional motion ridesand ride simulators with ERST roller coaster car technology. This newtechnology goes beyond additive effects of the separate technologies ofmotion rides and ride simulators and accomplishes synergistic rideexperiences and from a greater spectrum of ride theme possibilitiesrelative to the single theme construction of modern roller coasterrides. This is evident in that the individual contributing technologiesof ERST roller coaster car technology enhance one another. For example,video outputs and audio outputs presenting a simulated ride themeadventure visually contained inside a roller coaster car enhance theride motions of that roller coaster car running along a ride track andvice versa. This results in riders experiencing a total ride effect inERST roller coaster cars greater in intensity than the total ride effectof what is created separately by motion rides and ride simulators. Thisalso creates a heightened sense of realism of the ride experience asriders only see the simulated ride theme environment and not scenery ofthe amusement park environment (such as other rides, park attendees, andconcrete walkways) surrounding the ride vehicle that otherwise woulddiminish riders' experiences. Thus, the synergistic effect of realism isaccomplished by simultaneously matching motions of true roller coastervelocities and accelerations of the ride vehicle to the visuallyencapsulated simulated ride theme adventure.

SUMMARY

An ERST roller coaster car is a roller coaster car that visuallyencapsulates passengers of the car from the surrounding environmentduring the normal operation of a roller coaster ride such that onlyinterior components of the car (including, but not limited to, simulatedride images produced by the car's internal simulation technology) arewithin the field of vision of passengers. The normal operation of aroller coaster ride is the period during which passengers are inside anERST roller coaster car as the car is moving along a ride track of aroller coaster ride while an internal ride simulation system is runningso that passengers are simultaneously experiencing motions of the rollercoaster ride and presentation of the simulated ride theme adventure. Asstated above, the passengers are visually encapsulated from thesurrounding environment to the vehicle during this period. This perioddoes not include the act of unloading and loading of passengers as theroller coaster car is both open and not moving during unloading andloading of passengers. Also, the displayed images in the car created bythe simulator components can be of real images or artificial images (andin the latter case, being images like those created by computergenerated imagery techniques). The ERST roller coaster car's internalsimulation technology also produces audio output to passengers of thevehicle to compliment both the car's internal visual simulated ridetheme adventure and the car's roller coaster ride motions. First,second, third, and fourth embodiments of the current invention presentfour roller coaster car designs with integrated encapsulating andreusable ride simulation technology that meet the requirements of ERSTroller coaster car technology as detailed in the claims. Also, it isremarked that the term “roller coaster car” used in this publicationrelates to a wide variety of motion rides that achieve ride motions byuse of ride vehicles and ride track systems.

DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective left-side view of the first embodiment of anERST roller coaster car with doors closed for viewing of the ridevehicle from outside of the ride vehicle during the normal operation ofa roller coaster ride.

FIG. 2 is a perspective left-side view of the first embodiment of anERST roller coaster car with doors open for viewing of the ride vehiclein the state that it is in before and after the normal operation of aride while it is in unloading and loading mode.

FIG. 3 is an aerial cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of anERST roller coaster car for viewing of ride vehicle internal components.

FIG. 4 is a perspective left-side and cross-sectional view of the secondembodiment of an ERST roller coaster car with first row seat removed forviewing of ride vehicle internal components.

FIG. 5 is a perspective left-side view of the second embodiment of anERST roller coaster car with doors closed for viewing of the ridevehicle during the normal operation of a roller coaster ride.

FIG. 6 is an aerial cross-sectional view of the second embodiment of anERST roller coaster car for viewing of ride vehicle internal components.

FIG. 7 is an aerial cross-sectional view of the third embodiment of anERST roller coaster car for viewing of ride vehicle internal components.

FIG. 8 is an aerial view of an offsite database server system for use bythe third embodiment of an ERST roller coaster car.

FIG. 9 is a perspective left-side view of the third embodiment of anERST roller coaster car with doors open for viewing of the ride vehiclein the state that it is in before and after the normal operation of aride while it is in unloading and loading mode.

FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the underside of the third embodiment of anERST roller coaster car with ride vehicle wheels and electrical contactsfor running the ride vehicle over a ride track and collecting power fromcar-to-track connections during the normal operation of a ride.

FIG. 11 is a side view of an amusement park ride using an ERST rollercoaster car design corresponding to the first embodiment of the currentinvention.

FIG. 12 is a side view of an ERST roller coaster car corresponding tothe first embodiment of the current invention fitted with ride vehiclewheels for riding over a track system of a ride.

FIG. 13 is a side view of an amusement park ride using an ERST rollercoaster car design corresponding to the second embodiment of the currentinvention.

FIG. 14 is a side view of an ERST roller coaster car corresponding tothe second embodiment of the current invention fitted with linearinduction motor connecting units for riding along an inverted tracksystem of a ride.

FIG. 15 is a partial and cross-sectional view of the interior passengercompartment of an ERST roller coaster car design corresponding to thethird embodiment of the current invention and showing a simulated ridetheme adventure of a snowmobile ride through a snowy mountain rangeviewed by a passenger on the ride and during the normal operation of aride.

FIG. 16 is a partial and cross-sectional view of the interior passengercompartment of an ERST roller coaster car design corresponding to thethird embodiment of the current invention and showing a simulated ridetheme adventure of a futuristic space battle through space viewed by apassenger on the ride and during the normal operation of a ride.

FIG. 17 is an aerial cross-sectional view of the fourth embodiment of anERST roller coaster car for viewing of ride vehicle internal components.

FIG. 18 is a bottom view of the underside of the fourth embodiment of anERST roller coaster car with ride vehicle wheels for running the ridevehicle over a ride track during the normal operation of a ride.

ELEMENT NUMBERS AND DESCRIPTIONS

Table of Element Numbers and Descriptions Element Number ElementDescription 101 Front short service hood 103 Lifting door 105 Servicepanel 107 Lifting door handle 109 Safety foot step 111 Back shortservice hood 113 Single seat 115 Single seat harness 117 Right sideshort video display 119 Single audio speaker 121 Front short videodisplay 123 Single database server system 125 System internal powersource 127 Left side short video display 129 Short power and datatransmission cable system 131 Single seat passenger 133 Left sidedatabase enabled video display 135 Right side database enabled videodisplay 137 Front database enabled video display 139 Single databaseenabled audio speaker 141 Offsite database server system 143 Ride carwheel 145 Car electrical contact 147 Short power transmission cablesystem 149 Drive assembly 151 Scent box 153 Air vent 201 Front longservice hood 203 Sliding door 205 Sliding door handle 207 Double seat209 Double seat harness 211 Database server system and system internalpower source unit 213 Right side long video display 215 Left sidehalf-long video display 217 Front long video display 219 Hollow wall 221Back long service hood 223 Back double audio speaker 225 Power and datatransmission cable system 227 Front double audio speaker 229 Double seatpassenger 301 Ride vehicle 303 Ride track 305 Unloading and loadingstation 307 Lift hill 309 Brake run 311 Ride vehicle wheel 313 Invertedride vehicle 315 Ride track support structure 317 Linear induction motorconnecting unit 319 Inverted ride track 321 Ride track support beam 323Left side database enabled and self-powered video display 325 Right sidedatabase enabled and self-powered video display 327 Front databaseenabled and self-powered video display 329 Single database enabled andself-powered audio speaker

DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS

FIG. 1 is a perspective left-side view of the first embodiment of anERST roller coaster car. Multiple of a single seat passenger 131 (onlyshown in FIG. 3), not shown in FIG. 1, sits within the vehicle andcannot see outside of the vehicle during the normal operation of a rideas multiple of a lifting door 103, with each multiple of lifting door103 having a lifting door handle 107, is closed down above eachpassenger compartment of the vehicle. For gaining access to internalsystems of the vehicle a front short service hood 101, a back shortservice hood 111, and multiple of a service panel 105 can be accessed toget to power systems and simulation technology systems. A safety footstep 109 is for safety and support of passenger unloading and loading.

FIG. 2 is a perspective left-side view of the first embodiment of anERST roller coaster car with multiple of lifting door 103 open. This isthe state of the vehicle in the unloading and loading mode for beforeand after the normal operation of a ride. Multiple of a single audiospeaker 119 above each of a single seat 113 can be seen. Each singleseat 113 has a single seat harness 115 for safety during the normaloperation of a ride. Each single seat 113 has next to it a right sideshort video display 117. Also in view, multiple of service panel 105,multiple of lifting door handle 107, front short service hood 101, backshort service hood 111, and safety foot step 109.

FIG. 3 is an aerial cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of anERST roller coaster car. A front short video display 121 is directly infront of each single seat 113. Across from each right side short videodisplay 117 and next to each single seat 113 is a left side short videodisplay 127. A single database server system 123 is located as where itwould be under front short service hood 101 (shown in FIG. 1 and FIG.2); however, front short service hood 101 (shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2)is not shown in FIG. 3 for viewing of single database server system 123.A system internal power source 125 is located as where it would be underback short service hood 111 (shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2); however, backshort service hood 111 (shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2) is not shown in FIG.3 for viewing of system internal power source 125. Viewable is multipleof single seat harness 115. Also viewable is multiple of a short powerand data transmission cable system 129 that transmits power betweeninternal components of the vehicle and system internal power source 125and transmits data between internal components of the vehicle and singledatabase server system 123. Also viewable is safety foot step 109 andmultiple of single seat passenger 131.

FIG. 4 is a perspective left-side and cross-sectional view of the secondembodiment of an ERST roller coaster car. First row of multiple of adouble seat 207 of the vehicle is not shown (first row of double seat207 is shown in FIG. 6) for improved viewing of internal components. Afront long service hood 201 is viewable and multiple of double seat 207with each double seat 207 having a double seat harness 209 for safetyduring the normal operation of a ride. Also viewable are a databaseserver system and system internal power source unit 211, a right sidelong video display 213, and a back long service hood 221. A back doubleaudio speaker 223 is viewable above back row of multiple of double seat207. Also viewable is a power and data transmission cable system 225.

FIG. 5 is a perspective left-side view of the second embodiment of anERST roller coaster car with multiple of a sliding door 203 closed forviewing of the vehicle during the normal operation of a ride. Multipleof a double seat passenger 229 (only shown in FIG. 6), not shown in FIG.5, would be inside the vehicle and would not be able to see outside ofthe vehicle during the normal operation of a ride as multiple of slidingdoor 203 is closed. Viewable is front long service hood 201 and asliding door handle 205 found on each multiple of sliding door 203.Multiple of said sliding door 203 would be open during the unloading andloading of passengers of the vehicle.

FIG. 6 is an aerial cross-sectional view of the second embodiment of anERST roller coaster car. First row of multiple of double seat 207 of thevehicle is shown. Viewable is front long service hood 201, back longservice hood 221, multiple of double seat 207, multiple of double seatharness 209, right side long video display 213, and database serversystem and system internal power source unit 211. A left side half-longvideo display 215 is viewable on the interior side of each multiple ofsliding door 203. A front long video display 217 is located on theinterior front of the ride vehicle and facing all rows of multiple ofdouble seat 207. A hollow wall 219 holds right side long video display213, multiple of left side half-long video display 215, multiple of afront double audio speaker 227, front long video display 217; and powerand data transmission cable system 225. Power and data transmissioncable system 225 transmits power and data between internal components ofthe vehicle (such as those listed as being in hollow wall 219) anddatabase server system and system internal power source unit 211. Backdouble audio speaker 223 can be seen behind of back row of double seat207. Multiple of double seat passenger 229 is viewable.

FIG. 7 is an aerial cross-sectional view of the third embodiment of anERST roller coaster car for viewing of vehicle internal components. Afront database enabled video display 137 is directly in front of each ofa single seat 113. Across from each of a right side database enabledvideo display 135 and next to each of multiple of single seat 113 is aleft side database enabled video display 133. Viewable are multiple of asingle seat harness 115, a safety foot step 109, and multiple of asingle seat passenger 131. Also viewable are multiple of a driveassembly 149 and multiple of a short power transmission cable system147.

FIG. 8 is an aerial view of an offsite database server system 141 foruse by the third embodiment of an ERST roller coaster car. Offsitedatabase server system 141 is located offsite in an area that isexternal to and away from the ride vehicle making offsite databaseserver system 141 an external database server to the ride vehicle.

FIG. 9 is a perspective left-side view of the third embodiment of anERST roller coaster car with multiple of a lifting door 103 open. Thisis the state of the vehicle in unloading and loading mode for before andafter the normal operation of a ride. Multiple of a single databaseenabled audio speaker 139 above each multiple of single seat 113 can beseen. Each multiple of single seat 113 has a single seat harness 115 forsafety during the normal operation of a ride. Each multiple of singleseat 113 has next to it right side database enabled video display 135.Also in view, multiple of a service panel 105, multiple of a liftingdoor handle 107, a front short service hood 101, a back short servicehood 111, and safety foot step 109.

FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the underside of the third embodiment of anERST roller coaster car with multiple of a ride car wheel 143 andmultiple of a car electrical contact 145 for running the ride vehicleover a powered ride track system and collecting power from car-to-trackconnections during the normal operation of a ride. This makes thepowered ride track system an external power source to the roller coastercar.

FIG. 11 is a side view of an amusement park roller coaster ride using anERST roller coaster car with a design corresponding to the firstembodiment of the current invention as multiple of a ride vehicle 301;however, the second, third, and fourth embodiments could also beutilized for this type of roller coaster ride. A ride track 303 withmultiple of a ride track support beam 321 supports motions of multipleof said ride vehicle 301 as it moves up a lift hill 307 to reach thepeak of the roller coaster ride. A brake run 309 brings multiple of saidride vehicle 301 to a slow as it approaches and stops in an unloadingand loading station 305.

FIG. 12 is a side view of ride vehicle 301 fitted with multiple of aride vehicle wheel 311 for riding over ride track 303. Ride vehicle 301still has capability for being refitted with other interfacing members(including varying other types of car wheels or hooking devices commonto modern roller coaster cars) for connecting to other ride tracksystems without compromising the components and technology unique toERST roller coaster car design.

FIG. 13 is a side view of an amusement park roller coaster ride using anERST roller coaster car with a design corresponding to the secondembodiment of the current invention as multiple of an inverted ridevehicle 313; however, the first, third, and fourth embodiments couldalso be utilized for this type of roller coaster ride by makingmodifications for doors that can open downward instead of upward. Aninverted ride track 319 with multiple of a ride track support structure315 supports motions of multiple of inverted ride vehicle 313 as itmoves through the ride system by multiple of a linear induction motorconnecting unit 317. Multiple of inverted ride vehicle 313 stops in anunloading and loading station 305 between the normal operations of ridesof the ride system to unload and load passengers.

FIG. 14 is a side view of inverted ride vehicle 313 fitted with multipleof linear induction motor connecting unit 317 for riding along invertedride track 319. Inverted ride vehicle 313 still has capability for beingrefitted with other interfacing members (including varying other typesof car wheels or hooking devices common to modern roller coaster cars)for connecting to other ride track systems without compromising thecomponents and technology unique to ERST roller coaster car design.

FIG. 15 is a partial and cross-sectional view of the interior passengercompartment of an ERST roller coaster car design corresponding to thethird embodiment of the current invention and showing a simulated ridetheme adventure of a snowmobile ride through a snowy mountain rangebeing viewed by single seat passenger 131 during the normal operation ofa ride. Front database enabled video display 137 is directly in front ofsingle seat 113 in which single seat passenger 131 is sitting in. Singleseat passenger 131 also has in view right side database enabled videodisplay 135 and left side database enabled video display 133. Multipleof a scent box 151 and multiple of an air vent 153 are underneath frontdatabase enabled video display 137. The top of the vehicle has beenremoved to aid in viewing of configuration of internal components of theride vehicle.

FIG. 16 is a partial and cross-sectional view of the interior passengercompartment of an ERST roller coaster design corresponding to the thirdembodiment of the current invention and showing a simulated ride themeadventure of a futuristic space battle through space being viewed bysingle seat passenger 131 during the normal operation of a ride. Frontdatabase enabled video display 137 is directly in front of single seat113 in which single seat passenger 131 is sitting in. Single seatpassenger 131 also has in view right side database enabled video display135 and left side database enabled video display 133. The top of thevehicle has been removed to aid in viewing of configuration of internalcomponents of the vehicle.

FIG. 17 is an aerial cross-sectional view of the fourth embodiment of anERST roller coaster car for viewing of vehicle internal components.Multiple of a front database enabled and self-powered video display 327is directly in front of each of a single seat 113. Across from each of aright side database enabled and self-powered video display 325 and nextto each of multiple of single seat 113 is a left side database enabledand self-powered video display 323. Viewable are multiple of a singleseat harness 115, a safety foot step 109, and multiple of a single seatpassenger 131. Also viewable is multiple of a single database enabledand self-powered audio speaker 329.

FIG. 18 is a bottom view of the underside of the fourth embodiment of anERST roller coaster car with multiple of a ride car wheel 143 forrunning the ride vehicle over a ride track system during the normaloperation of a ride. Also viewable is safety foot step 109.

Operation

Operation of an ERST roller coaster car follows an unloading and loadingprocedure similar to modern roller coaster cars; however, the truedeparture from traditional motion rides occurs upon the closing of thedoors of an ERST roller coaster car. During the normal operation of aride of an ERST roller coaster car, passengers within the ride vehicleare visually encapsulated from the surrounding environment to the ridevehicle while the ride vehicle utilizes reusable simulation technologyfor creating a simulated ride theme adventure to compliment the motionsof the vehicle as it moves through a roller coaster ride. These motionsexperienced by passengers are true velocities and accelerations commonand inherent to modern roller coaster rides. This visual encapsulationof passengers ensures that passengers only have the interior (including,but not limited to, ride simulator components and correspondingsimulated ride images) of the ERST roller coaster car in their field ofview and not the environment outside to and surrounding the ERST rollercoaster car. This further ensures that passengers experience consistentride intensity and realism as created by use of an ERST roller coastercar.

It should be noted that operation of an ERST roller coaster car isdesigned with no particular dependence on any existing roller coasterstructure, system, manufacturer, or rail specification. Rather, it isthe unique design of an ERST roller coaster car (dependent on theeffective integration of encapsulating and reusable ride simulationtechnology into a ride vehicle) that is of importance in the presentinvention. In other words, users of an ERST roller coaster car, for agiven ride system, can choose their preferences for specifications forconnecting an ERST roller coaster car to a ride track. This applies to alarge number of varying type of motion ride systems as the building ofride tracks and connecting roller coaster cars (and other ride vehicletypes) to tracks is a commonly known practice with proven methods andstandards. For all these reason, this technology is not heavilydiscussed as it is widely understood among those in fields of ridedesign, ride manufacturing, and ride operation and does not relate tothe novelty of ERST roller coaster car technology as an ERST rollercoaster car does not depend on any single specification of car-to-trackconnection. Consequently, the embodiments of the current invention arepresented to provide flexibility for use of ERST roller coaster cars forpotentially any ride track system in use today.

For example, the first embodiment, third embodiment, and fourthembodiment of the current invention could compliment roller coaster carswith single seat rows such as Disneyland's Space Mountain. The designsof these embodiments could also be expanded to accommodate cars withrows holding more than one seat like the roller coaster car ofUniversal's Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit that has two seats per row. Forroller coasters that have a much higher multiple of seats per row, likeSix Flag's Riddler's Revenge, the second embodiment of the currentinvention could accommodate these larger structures as it can hold agreater multiple of seats across each row. These embodiments are notlimited to these examples. It is only noted that their designs would bethe preferred constructions for these types of existing roller coasterride systems. Other ERST roller coaster car designs are possible as longas requirements for ERST roller coaster car technology are met asdefined in the claims. It is also noted that each embodiment uses apowered computer network system with components on the system forstoring, retrieving, transmitting, and displaying video data and audiodata of simulated rides. Powered computer network systems vary with howthey attain their electrical power and transmit video and audio datathrough the network yet each embodiment meets requirements of ERSTroller coaster car technology as presented in the claims. Furtheroperational details of all embodiments are discussed in the followingsections.

The first embodiment of an ERST roller coaster car uses multiple ofsingle seat 113 for seating multiple of single seat passenger 131. Ithas multiple of lifting door 103 for being open to allow passengers tounload and load and for being closed during the normal operation of aride so as to create a visually encapsulating car that allows passengersto view only internal components of the car including, but not limitedto, multiple of front short video display 121, multiple of right sideshort video display 117, and multiple of left side short video display127. Left side short video display 127 is located on the inner side oflifting door 103 for each of lifting door 103. Sound accompaniment toall simulated ride video and ride motions experienced by passengersduring, the normal operation of a ride is accomplished in the firstembodiment by multiple of single audio speaker 119. Single databaseserver system 123 and system internal power source 125 provide the firstembodiment with storage, retrieval, and transmission of data and powerthrough dual hardwire network connection and power transmissionconnection of short power and data transmission cable system 129 tomultiple of right side short video display 117, multiple of left sideshort video display 127, multiple of front short video display 121, andmultiple of single audio speaker 119.

The second embodiment of the ERST roller coaster car uses multiple ofdouble seat 207 for seating multiple of double seat passenger 229. Ithas multiple of sliding door 203 for being open to allow passengers tounload and load and for being closed during the normal operation of aride so as to visually encapsulate all passengers in a singlecompartment that allows only viewing of internal components of the carincluding, but not limited to, front long video display 217, right sidelong video display 213, and multiple of left side half-long videodisplay 215. Sound accompaniment to all simulated ride video and ridemotions experienced by passengers during the normal operation of a rideis accomplished in the second embodiment by back double audio speaker223 and multiple of front double audio speaker 227. The secondembodiment uses database server system and system internal power sourceunit 211 for storage, retrieval, and transmission of data and powerthrough hardwire network connection of power and data transmission cablesystem 225 to right side long video display 213, multiple of left sidehalf-long video display 215, front long video display 217, back doubleaudio speaker 223, and multiple of front double audio speaker 227.

The third embodiment of the current invention is the same design to thefirst embodiment of the current invention with the exceptions of removalof single database server system 123 and system internal power source125 from the ride vehicle, added components of multiple of driveassembly 149, multiple of ride car wheel 143, and multiple of carelectrical contact 145 to the ride vehicle and replacement of multipleof short power and data transmission cable system 129 with multiple ofshort power transmission cable system 147. This vehicle is adapted toconnect to a track system of a ride for attaining electrical power fromthe ride track by the connection of multiple of car electrical contact145 and for the self-sufficient ability to run the length of the tracksystem of the ride by drive assembly 149 and multiple of ride car wheel143. The vehicle is also adapted with internal simulator componentshaving self-sufficient capabilities for data processing of video andaudio presentation of ride simulated themes. These are found inpredetermined configuration of multiple of front database enabled videodisplay 137, multiple of right side database enabled video display 135,multiple of left side database enabled video display 133, and multipleof single database enabled audio speaker 139.

These simulator components not only present the video and audio of thesimulated ride theme to multiple of single seat passenger 131 of thevehicle but also store and retrieve video data and audio datacorresponding to this simulated ride theme. Updates to stored video andaudio data can be made by remote network connection between internalsimulator components of the vehicle (including multiple of frontdatabase enabled video display 137, multiple of right side databaseenabled video display 135, multiple left side database enabled videodisplay 133, and multiple of single database enabled audio speaker 139)and offsite database server system 141. Offsite database server system141 can be placed in several potential areas away from the vehicle but astation for unloading and loading of passengers would be preferred forcoordinating database maintenance with vehicle maintenance. Also,offsite database server system 141 could be used for any of theembodiments of the current invention for making a remote networkconnection as all embodiments use some type of internal database systemwhether as a lone database server system, a database server systemcoupled to a power system, a database server system coupled to asimulator component, or a database server system coupled to a simulatorcomponent and a power system.

The third embodiment is presented in FIG. 15 and FIG. 16 for viewing ofthe inside of the passenger compartment of the vehicle with simulatedride theme adventures. FIG. 15 shows a snowmobile ride through a snowymountain range created by real video images of a snowy mountain range.FIG. 16 shows a futuristic space battle through space created bycomputer generated imagery of space and space elements. Because thereare multiple passenger compartments in the first, third, and fourthembodiments, running different simulated ride theme adventures in thesame vehicle is possible. FIG. 15 also shows the capacity of an ERSTroller coaster car to execute simulated effects beyond video and audiopresentations. In FIG. 15, multiple of air vent 153 allows for air tomove into the car while still keeping the vehicle visually encapsulatedfrom the surrounding environment. This rushing air can be pumped withvarying scents for enhancing the simulated ride adventure by multiple ofscent box 151. Multiple of scent box 151 in the snowmobile simulatedride could be supplied with scents of a forest and these scents pumpedthrough multiple of air vent 153 for single said passenger 131 to smell.

It should also be noted that while all embodiments of the currentinvention are varied in their methods of storage, retrieval, andtransmission of power and data, all these mechanisms are kept mostly“behind-the-scenes” so passengers of each embodiment are not concernedabout these background processes so as to simply enjoy the presentationof the simulated ride theme adventure and motions of the roller coasterride. For example, the third and fourth embodiments are both using videodisplays and audio speakers with built-in internal database systems butwith different powering mechanisms for these simulator components. Thedifference in these powering mechanisms would not be readilydistinguishable by passengers of the ride vehicle. In another example,each database enabled and self-powered simulator component of the fourthembodiment can communicate to each other by remote network connectionfor coordinating simulated ride theme adventures, whereas the firstembodiment uses a hardwire network connection (though, all databasesystems with hardwire network connections still have the capabilities ofremote network connections if needed). The difference in these networkconnection mechanisms would also not be readily distinguishable bypassengers of the ride vehicle. Therefore, the compartment environmentsin FIG. 15 and FIG. 16 of simulated ride theme adventures are mostly thesame as what would be experienced in the other embodiments with the mostnotable exception being that the second embodiment would have additionalpassengers in the compartment and with different compartment dimensionsrelative to the other embodiments. In comparison, the seats of thefirst, third, and fourth embodiments could be expanded to hold multiplepassengers in each compartment and still keep single row seats.

The fourth embodiment of the current invention is the same as the thirdembodiment of the current invention with the exceptions of removal ofmultiple of drive assembly 149, multiple of car electrical contact 145,multiple of air vent 153, and multiple of scent box 151 and replacementof multiple of front database enabled video display 137, multiple ofright side database enabled video display 135, multiple of left sidedatabase enabled video display 133, and multiple of single databaseenabled audio speaker 139 with database enabled and powerself-sufficient simulation components including multiple of frontdatabase enabled and self-powered video display 327, multiple of rightside database enabled and self-powered video display 325, multiple ofleft side database enabled and self-powered video display 323, andmultiple of a single database enabled and self-powered audio speaker329. The design for this embodiment is for simulator components to be incontrol of their own data, power, and network connections. This resultsin a very light car design that would be well suited for a rollercoaster system that uses primarily lift hills, brake runs, and the forceof gravity for moving cars through the ride track. Though each row hassingle seats (and also in the first and third embodiments), multipleseats could be utilized by integrating car body designs of the secondembodiment while still integrating these data processing and powerprocessing self-sufficient simulator components into the ride vehicle.

The embodiments of the current invention present varying components andrelated processes for creating an ERST roller coaster car. The featuresof these embodiments can be further combined in other possibleembodiments as long as the requirements of ERST roller coaster cartechnology, as detailed in the claims, are fulfilled. For example, thefirst embodiment and third embodiment designs could be combined to holdmultiple of drive assembly 149, single database server system 123, andsystem internal power source 125 all in one ride vehicle. This designcould be more advantageous for a specific ride track system (such as asystem where car motion and car simulation technology needs to beprimarily controlled by each separate car). This would still meet ERSTroller coaster car technology requirements as passengers would still beengaged in a ride during which they are visually encapsulated inside theroller coaster car while simultaneously experiencing a simulated ridetheme adventure and ride motions of the roller coaster ride. Thecombination of components most suitable for a ride vehicle would thendepend on the preferences of ride designers and ride operators and thespecifications of the ride track system for use of an ERST rollercoaster car. More details for preferred and specific technologycomponents are discussed in following sections.

All embodiments of the current invention have multiple video displaysfor supporting the visual effects of displayed objects (real images,computer generated images, or a combination of both) moving relative topassengers. For example, a displayed object (which can be nearlyanything imaginable from a falling boulder to a futuristic space battlelaser blast to a scary monster to the Moon) can first appear in adisplay at the front of the vehicle and then shift from appearing inthis display into a different display found further back inside thevehicle and vice versa. This shifting of position of a displayed objectcreates a relative illusion of motion between displayed objects andpassengers of the ride vehicle. The second embodiment also has an audiooutput configuration to compliment a shift of sound from speakers in thefront of the vehicle to speakers in the back of the vehicle to createthe effect of a moving source of sound. Further configurations forcomplimenting the relative visual and auditory effects of motion ofsimulated objects are possible and are considered a novel use of ERSTroller coaster car design for creating a ride with increased intensityand realism. Furthermore, any of the other embodiments of the currentinvention could also be fitted with varying positions of audio speakerssimilar to the second embodiment.

The displaying of video by any of the embodiments can be performed by anarray of possible components including, but not limited to, liquidcrystal displays, plasma display panels, cathode ray tube screens,light-emitting diode (LED) screens, and optical projector screens.Choice for display types would be most dependent on potential ridethemes, unique preferences of users, and use of an ERST roller coastercar for a specific roller coaster ride system. Though, it would bepreferred to use high-definition quality LED screens for two-dimensionalvideo output. Furthermore, three-dimensional (3D) video outputcomplimented by the common use of “3D glasses” could also be utilizedand would be a very effective imaging scheme for use in an ERST rollercoaster car as optical projectors could be easily fitted into an ERSTroller coaster car (for example, 3D projectors integrated into databaseserver system and system internal power source unit 211 in the secondembodiment would be very effective). Audio output is preferred to beutilized by at least a platform of stereophonic sound systems. Though,techniques of surround sound systems and other advanced audiopresentation methods would also be effective for use in an ERST rollercoaster car. Choice for database server systems is from a variety ofavailable vendors including, but not limited to, Oracle, Microsoft SQLServer, and IBM DB2 (for database management systems) and IBM,Hewlett-Packard, Dell, and Sun Microsystems (for hardware servers).

Because remote connections as well as hardwire connections could beutilized for data transmission and because Geographic informationSystems (GIS) mapping of ERST roller coaster cars could provide data forreal-time processing of car locations, velocities, accelerations, andmore, an Oracle 11g R2 Enterprise Edition database management systemrunning on an IBM hardware server system would be desired. Remoteconnection to the Oracle system by an offsite administrator could beused for tracking and managing of multiple ERST roller coaster carsrunning on a ride track system during the unloading and loading ofpassengers and during the normal operation of a ride. Also, an onboarddatabase server, or database enabled video and audio presentationcomponent, or database enabled and self-powered video and audiopresentation component, could function with hardwire and remote networkconnections.

For example, hardwire network connection can transmit data between anonboard database server and internal simulator components of an ERSTroller coaster car for running the simulated ride theme adventure whileremote network connection can transmit data between the onboard databaseserver and an offsite database server for performing databasemaintenance on the onboard system. It should be noted that such remotemaintenance can added extra flexibility for an offsite administrator toperform security, backup and recovery, performance tuning, datacollection and analysis, and other system tasks during or in betweennormal operations of rides. It should also be noted that while adatabase server is the chosen type of data storage medium, other typesof data storage mediums could include, but are not limited to, digitalversatile discs or flash drives inputted directly to, or integrateddirectly into, video and audio presentation components. The choice of apopular vendor database server is for issues including, but not limitedto, performance, software programming flexibility, and video and audioquality of simulated ride theme adventure presentation.

An internal or external power source could be, but not limited to, analternating current power supply, direct current power supply, abattery, fuel cells, a generator, an alternator, solar panels, acombustible engine, a linear induction motor unit, a powered ride track,or a combination of such kinds of power sources. For an internal powersource, it is preferred to use an automotive battery supply unit forsupplying electrical power to internal components of the ride vehicle.Though, an external power source could have more options as it would notbe limited by the size of the ride vehicle. For external power sources,a powered ride track feeding electricity to electrical contacts of theride vehicle would be preferred for traditional design roller coasters.A linear induction motor unit connecting a ride track system and a ridevehicle with power delivery would be preferred for an inverted rollercoaster. Though there are several possibilities for internal andexternal power sources, preference would depend on users, the rollercoaster ride system, and specific uses of the ERST roller coaster car.

The embodiments capture ERST roller coaster car designs that move alonga roller coaster ride track while simultaneously presenting an intimatesimulated ride theme adventure to passengers visually encapsulatedinside the ride vehicle. This placement of ride simulation technologyinside ERST roller coaster cars has the capacity to compliment themesranging from space travel to NASCAR racing to riding a dragon through an11^(th) century world of North Atlantic islands and Norse-persons. Inother words, the possibilities are almost endless. It is important,however, to maintain the synergistic effects of intensity and realism ofthe ride experience by ensuring passengers are visually encapsulatedfrom the outside environment of the ride vehicle during the normaloperation of the ride. Along this line, a further effect of concealingfrom passengers that the ERST roller coaster car uses a ride track couldbe accomplished to create a ride experience potentially more intense aspassengers would believe they were only in some type of modern ridesimulator with limited motion movement capabilities. For this effect,passengers would have to be unloaded and loaded so that the ride trackwould not be seen either by removing lighting to the track, covering thetrack, or a combination of effects.

A key feature of ERST roller coaster car design is reusability and it isaccomplished in two forms. The embodiments of the current invention areidentified as ERST roller coaster cars for use across a wide spectrumfor type of ride track systems from tracks with riders sitting in singleseats to tracks that are constructed for larger numbers of multipleriders riding in the same row. These embodiments can be used acrossdifferent types of roller coasters and ride track systems because use ofan ERST roller coaster car is not dependent on factors like car-to-trackconnections. This is the hardware reusability of the ERST roller coastercar design. The other form of reusability, software reusability, comesfrom ERST roller coaster car software programming flexibility. Developedand tested simulated ride adventures can be copied and reused from oneroller coaster car (such as a car of the second embodiment) to anothercar (such as a car of the fourth embodiment). This software programmingflexibility can be further used to allow simulated ride changes to bevaried on the same ride track system either during or in between normaloperations of rides. This is another key feature of ERST roller coastercar technology and is referred to as the variability of the system.

ERST roller coaster car variability on repeated cycles of the same ridetrack is accomplished by software programming flexibility inherent inthe first embodiment by single database server system 123, systeminternal power source 125, multiple of short power and data transmissioncable 129, multiple of right side short video display 117, multiple ofleft side short video display 127, multiple of front short video display121, and multiple of single audio speaker 119. Single database serversystem 123 can store multiple ride simulations for a variety of themedride adventures which can be accessed in real-time for changing the ridetheme during or between the normal operations of rides. Also, updates tostored video data and audio data can be made by hardwire connection orremote connection between internal simulator components of the vehicleand single database server system 123 (which can support the copying andreusing of simulated ride theme adventures for the reusability of thesystem).

Software programming flexibility is accomplished in the secondembodiment by database server system and system internal power sourceunit 211, multiple of power and data transmission cable system 225,front long video display 217, right side long video display 213,multiple of left side half-long video display 215, back double audiospeaker 223, and multiple of front double audio speaker 227. Databaseserver system and system internal power source unit 211 can storemultiple simulations for a variety of themed ride adventures which canbe accessed in real-time for changing the ride theme during or betweenthe normal operations of rides. Also, updates to stored video data andaudio data can be made by hardwire connection or remote connectionbetween internal simulator components of the vehicle and database serversystem and system internal power source unit 211 (which can support thecopying and reusing of simulated ride theme adventures for thereusability of the system).

Software programming flexibility is accomplished in the third embodimentby multiple of front database enabled video display 137, multiple ofright side database enabled video display 135, multiple of left sidedatabase enabled video display 133, and multiple of single databaseenabled audio speaker 139 and offsite database server system 141. Theseinternal simulator components of the vehicle can store multiplesimulations for a variety of themed ride adventures which can beaccessed in real-time for changing the ride theme during or between thenormal operations of rides. Also, updates to stored video data and audiodata can be made by remote connection between internal simulatorcomponents of the vehicle and offsite database server system 141 (whichcan support the copying and reusing of simulated ride theme adventuresfor the reusability of the system).

Software programming flexibility is accomplished in the fourthembodiment by multiple of front database enabled and self-powered videodisplay 327, multiple of right side database enabled and self-poweredvideo display 325, multiple of left side database enabled andself-powered video display 323, and multiple of a single databaseenabled and self-powered audio speaker 329. These internal simulatorcomponents of the vehicle can store multiple simulations for a varietyof themed ride adventures which can be accessed in real-time forchanging the ride theme during or between the normal operations ofrides. Also, updates to stored video data and audio data can be made byremote connection between internal simulator components of the vehicle(which can support the copying and reusing of simulated ride themeadventures for the reusability of the system).

The choice of keeping onboard database server systems and power sourcesystems in the first embodiment and second embodiment could help to makeeach ERST roller coaster car more self-sufficient, more flexible for useacross several roller coasters and ride track systems, and morehigh-powered for systems applications. The design of the thirdembodiment, however, could be very useful for reducing weights andcentralizing the database server for all ride vehicles of an entire ridesystem. This may serve ride operators with a more manageable method formaintaining the entire ride system. The design of the fourth embodimentis to provide very strict self-sufficiency for each car. This would bemore advantageous for ride systems that can offer little to no databasesystems and power systems support. Though all embodiments of the currentinvention are varied in how they store, retrieve, and transmit data andpower through the ride vehicle, they all meet the technologicalrequirements of being an ERST roller coaster as detailed in the claims.

For example, data storage mediums in the first, second, and fourthembodiments are internal database systems of single database serversystem 123 in the first embodiment, database server system and systeminternal power source unit 211 in the second embodiment, and multiple offront database enabled and self-powered video display 327, multiple ofright side database enabled and self-powered video display 325, multipleof left side database enabled and self-powered video display 323, andmultiple of a single database enabled and self-powered audio speaker 329in the fourth embodiment. The third embodiment has the option of usingeither an internal database system of multiple of front database enabledvideo display 137, multiple of right side database enabled Video display135, multiple of left side database enabled video display 133, andmultiple of single database enabled audio speaker 139, or an externaldatabase of offsite database server system 141.

Simulated ride environments created by the embodiments of the currentinvention are accomplished by internal components of varying ERST rollercoaster car designs as presented in the accompanying drawings. It isapparent that varying applications of encapsulating and reusablesimulation technologies are possible for accomplishing the same set ofeffects unique to the current invention. Such applications, however,would be dependent upon the roller coaster system targeted for use andwhat features could be accommodated; however, the capacity for the ERSTroller coaster car to be modified without compromising ERST rollercoaster car technology is present with the capacity for numerous designpossibilities. The choice to use either first embodiment, secondembodiment, third embodiment, fourth embodiment or a combination offeatures drawing from some or all of the embodiments of the currentinvention (as long as this combination still meets requirements of ERSTroller coaster car technology as detailed in the content of the claims)depends on the targeted roller coaster system and the unique set ofpreferences and requirements of the user the specific use of the ERSTroller coaster car.

ERST roller coaster car technology not only creates synergistic effectsof increased intensity and realism of the ride experience but alsoprovides new tools and models for overall ride operation. Becausedatabase server systems are programmable, rides can be updated in realtime for changing themes between the normal operations of rides orduring the normal operation of a ride. Such a practice could be used tosurprise passengers of an ERST roller coaster car with a pseudo-randomlyselected ride theme from a massive and expansive group of possiblesimulated ride adventures and during any period of use of an ERST rollercoaster car. A single ERST roller coaster car, for any of theembodiments of the current invention, could present passengers with asimulated bobsled ride through a mountain range with trees full of snow,unload these passengers, load new passengers, and take the new groupthrough a simulated virtual computer world with futuristic bikes andgame grids. First, third, and fourth embodiments of the currentinvention could even allow for different simulated ride themes occurringin the different passenger compartments during the same roller coasterride. Passengers could decide while waiting for their ride vehicle whichride adventure they would like simulated, whether they would all wantthe same simulated ride theme or different themes, or whether they wouldprefer the database system to pseudo-randomly choose a ride themeadventure for them.

CONCLUSION

ERST roller coaster car technology is a unique and encompassing solutionto the current problems of modern amusement park rides that areroutinely classified as being in either one of two categories: thrillrides or ride simulators. An ERST roller coaster car captures the besttechnologies of both types of amusement park rides by providing forencapsulating and reusable simulation technology in ride vehicles forcreating simulated themed ride experiences while in parallelcomplimenting these simulated ride adventures with the true motionvelocities and accelerations of a roller coaster ride.

ERST roller coaster car technology is similar to the historicalintegration of computer animation into film productions. Early criticsof such computer applications felt that “hand-drawn” animations were toosuperior relative to computer generated images to ever be replaced. Intime, it was shown that computer generated imaging capabilities wererich and gave a depth of realism and intensity not previously capturedby hand-made animations. In comparison, hand-made sceneries of rollercoaster rides are severely limited but computer simulated ride themeadventures have an expansive palette of technological and artisticcapabilities that can provide riders of ERST roller coaster cars withexciting new ride adventures never before experienced.

There are other design possibilities beyond the embodiments of thecurrent invention for roller coaster cars with integrated ride simulatorcomponents that can meet the technology requirements of an ERST rollercoaster car. For example, an ERST roller coaster car could be of othershapes (such as a sphere, tube, or ring), of other types of rollercoaster designs (such as a flying or dive roller coaster), and of otherfractions of video displays to non-video displays in the internalpassenger compartments of the vehicles (such as video displays that fillthe complete field of vision of passengers beyond their bodies, seats,and harnesses). Motion rides of varying other types could also beutilized including, but not limited to, dark rides, drop towers, andmonorails. Such ride systems use ride vehicles with motion by ridetracks and would therefore benefit as equally from ERST roller coastercar technology as the embodiments of the current invention.Consequently, the applications of ERST roller coaster car technology arewide across a spectrum of roller coaster car designs, motion ride types,and simulation technology implementations. Accordingly, the scope ofERST roller coaster car technology should be judged only by the contentof the claims and their legal equivalents.

1. A roller coaster ride, comprising: a ride track; and at least oneroller coaster car, said least one roller coaster car comprising: anopaque roller coaster car body adapted to connect to at least oneinterfacing member for engaging said opaque roller coaster car body tosaid ride track; at least one passenger seating area coupled to saidopaque roller coaster car body for seating at least one passenger; atleast one opaque movable door integrated into said opaque roller coastercar body for being open during unloading and loading of said least onepassenger of said roller coaster car and closed during the normaloperation of said roller coaster ride, whereby said least one passengeris visually encapsulated from the surrounding environment to said rollercoaster car as said roller coaster car moves along said ride track andimparts ride motions of said roller coaster ride to said least onepassenger; a ride simulation presentation system connected to saidopaque roller coaster car body, said ride simulation presentation systemhaving a predetermined configuration of simulator components thatinterface by at least one computer network connection to at least onedata storage medium, whereby said ride simulation presentation systempresents a simulated ride theme adventure to said least one passengerinside said roller coaster car as said roller coaster car moves alongsaid ride track during the normal operation of said roller coaster ride;and a car power system connected to said opaque roller coaster car body,said car power system having a predetermined configuration of powersystem components of at least one power transmission connection, saidleast one power transmission connection interfacing to at least onepower source for supplying power to said least one roller coaster car.2. The roller coaster ride of claim 1, wherein said least oneinterfacing member is at least one ride car wheel.
 3. The roller coasterride of claim 1, wherein said least one interfacing member is at leastone linear induction motor connecting unit.
 4. The roller coaster rideof claim 1, wherein said least one interfacing member is at least onedrive assembly.
 5. The roller coaster ride of claim 1, wherein saidleast one computer network connection is at least one remote networkconnection.
 6. The roller coaster ride of claim 1, wherein said leastone computer network connection is at least one hardwire networkconnection.
 7. The roller coaster ride of claim 1, wherein said datastorage medium is at least one internal database system of said rollercoaster car.
 8. The roller coaster ride of claim 1, wherein said datastorage medium is at least one external database system to said rollercoaster car.
 9. The roller coaster ride of claim 1, wherein said leastone power transmission connection interfacing to said least one powersource is at least one power transmission cable interfacing to at leastone internal power source of said roller coaster car.
 10. The rollercoaster ride of claim 1, wherein said least one power transmissionconnection interfacing to said least one power source is at least onecar electrical contact interfacing to at least one external power sourceto said roller coaster car.
 11. The roller coaster ride of claim 1,wherein said predetermined configuration of simulator components furthercomprises a plurality of video displays and a plurality of audiospeakers.
 12. The roller coaster ride of claim 1, wherein saidpredetermined configuration of simulator components further comprises aplurality of database enabled video displays and a plurality of databaseenabled audio speakers.
 13. The roller coaster ride of claim 1, whereinsaid predetermined configuration of simulator components furthercomprises a plurality of database enabled and self-powered videodisplays and a plurality of database enabled and self-powered audiospeakers.
 14. A roller coaster car adapted as a hybrid motion ride andride simulator vehicle, comprising: an opaque vehicle body adapted toconnect to at least one interfacing member for engaging said opaquevehicle body to a ride track for moving said roller coaster car througha roller coaster ride; at least one passenger seating area coupled tosaid opaque vehicle body for seating at least one passenger; at leastone opaque movable door integrated into said vehicle body for being openduring unloading and loading of said least one passenger of said rollercoaster car and closed during the normal operation of said rollercoaster ride, whereby said least one passenger is visually encapsulatedfrom the surrounding environment to said roller coaster car as saidroller coaster car moves along said ride track and imparts ride motionsof said roller coaster ride to said least one passenger; a ridesimulation presentation system connected to said opaque vehicle body,said ride simulation presentation system having a predeterminedconfiguration of simulator components that interface by at least onecomputer network connection to at least one data storage medium, wherebysaid ride simulation presentation system presents a simulated ride themeadventure to said least one passenger inside said roller coaster car assaid roller coaster car moves along said ride track during the normaloperation of said roller coaster ride; and a vehicle power systemconnected to said opaque vehicle body, said vehicle power system havinga predetermined configuration of power system components of at least onepower transmission connection, said least one power transmissionconnection interfacing to at least one power source for supplying powerto said roller coaster car.
 15. The roller coaster car of claim 14,wherein said least one interfacing member is at least one ride carwheel.
 16. The roller coaster car of claim 14, wherein said least oneinterfacing member is at least one linear induction motor connectingunit.
 17. The roller coaster car of claim 14, wherein said least oneinterfacing member is at least one drive assembly.
 18. The rollercoaster car of claim 14, wherein said least one computer networkconnection is at least one remote network connection.
 19. The rollercoaster car of claim 14, wherein said least one computer networkconnection is at least one hardwire network connection.
 20. The rollercoaster car of claim 14, wherein said least one data storage medium isat least one internal database system of said roller coaster car. 21.The roller coaster car of claim 14, wherein said least one data storagemedium is at least one external database system to said roller coastercar.
 22. The roller coaster car of claim 14, wherein said least onepower transmission connection interfacing to said least one power sourceis at least one power transmission cable interfacing to at least oneinternal power source of said roller coaster car.
 23. The roller coastercar of claim 14, wherein least one power transmission connectioninterfacing to said least one power source is at least one carelectrical contact interfacing to at least one external power source ofsaid roller coaster car.
 24. The roller coaster car of claim 14, whereinsaid predetermined configuration of simulator components furthercomprises a plurality of video displays and a plurality of audiospeakers.
 25. The roller coaster car of claim 14, wherein saidpredetermined configuration of simulator components further comprises aplurality of database enabled video displays and a plurality of databaseenabled audio speakers.
 26. The roller coaster car of claim 14, whereinsaid predetermined configuration of simulator components furthercomprises a plurality of database enabled and self-powered videodisplays and a plurality of database enabled and self-powered audiospeakers.
 27. A roller coaster car, comprising: an opaque vehiclechassis adapted to connect to at least one interfacing member forengaging said opaque vehicle chassis to a roller coaster ride track formoving said roller coaster car through a roller coaster ride; at leastone passenger seating area coupled to said opaque vehicle chassis forseating at least one passenger; at least one opaque movable doorintegrated into said vehicle chassis for being open during unloading andloading of said least one passenger of said roller coaster car andclosed during the normal operation of said roller coaster ride, wherebysaid least one passenger is visually encapsulated from the surroundingenvironment to said roller coaster car as said roller coaster car movesalong said roller coaster ride track and imparts ride motions of saidroller coaster ride to said least one passenger during the normaloperation of said roller coaster ride; and a self-powered ridesimulation presentation system connected to said opaque vehicle chassis,said self-powered ride simulation presentation system having apredetermined configuration of simulator components that interface by atleast one computer network connection to at least one data storagemedium, whereby said self-powered ride simulation presentation systempresents a simulated ride theme adventure to said least one passengerinside said roller coaster car during the normal operation of saidroller coaster ride.
 28. The roller coaster car of claim 27, whereinsaid least one interfacing member is at least one ride car wheel. 29.The roller coaster car of claim 27, wherein said least one interfacingmember is at least one linear induction motor connecting unit.
 30. Theroller coaster car of claim 27, wherein said least one interfacingmember is at least one drive assembly.
 31. The roller coaster car ofclaim 27, wherein said least one computer network connection is at leastone remote network connection.
 32. The roller coaster car of claim 27,wherein said least one computer network connection is at least onehardwire network connection.
 33. The roller coaster car of claim 27,wherein said least one data storage medium is at least one internaldatabase system of said roller coaster car.
 34. The roller coaster carof claim 27, wherein said least one data storage medium is at least oneexternal database system to said roller coaster car.
 35. The rollercoaster car of claim 27, wherein said predetermined configuration ofsimulator components further comprises a plurality of database enabledand self-powered video displays, a plurality of database enabled andself-powered audio speakers, and a plurality of scented air vents. 36.The roller coaster car of claim 27, wherein said predeterminedconfiguration of simulator components further comprises a plurality ofdatabase enabled and self-powered video displays and a plurality ofdatabase enabled and self-powered audio speakers.